WHAT IS SMALL BEER?

ROOTED IN HISTORY, MADE FOR TODAY

In a world where drinking water could be fatal, small beer was enjoyed in households, work places and even schools across the country. A staple of British daily life in the 1700’s, it was traditionally always brewed between 0.5 - 2.8% ABV. With the provision of clean drinking water in the 19th century, the requirement for small beer passed and the art of its creation was lost.

We trawled the history books to uncover how small beer was once made, and were inspired by one brewer’s account on how to do it well…

“Most families have got into so regular a way of brewing their small beer after their ale that it will not be easy to persuade them out of it… it is in their interest to brew it alone, for the trouble is very little more than the other way, and the drink is incomparably better. ”

- 'The Compleat Brewer, or Art and Mystery of Brewing Explained', by "A Brewer of Extensive Practice", published in London in 1760

By dedicating ourselves to brewing only small beer, we realised we could maximise flavour and quality to reignite this lost tradition.

At the Small Beer Brew Co. we specialise solely in the production of small beer (0.5 - 2.8% ABV).

THE BREWERY

WHAT INSPIRED THE WORLD'S FIRST SMALL BEER BREWERY?

We set out on a mission to create great tasting beer at a lower ABV.

For us it was about keeping the ‘big moments' as crisp and fresh as the beer itself. Beer that let us have all of the enjoyment, but didn’t slow us down… our absolute non-negotiable, it had to taste fantastic!

This vision led us to set up the world’s first small beer brewery.

Brewing this style of beer takes great care and attention, it is a technical & skilful process and very difficult to do well.

Historically small beer was often considered an after-thought when brewing, we believe this should never be the case. Using sustainable brewing methods, we are committed to reinvigorating a liquid that was once at the very heart of society.

SMALL BEER, BIG JOURNEY!

In our quest for quality and flavour, rather than resting on experience and brewing know-how, we revised the entire process, from start to finish and in doing so designed a bespoke brewing kit exclusively for the production of our Small Beer.

We’re proud to call South Bermondsey our home. We’re nestled between the Old Kent Road and South Bermondsey station. Our days are spent brewing the very best Small Beer, but when we’re not brewing you’ll soon find a space filled with live music, art exhibitions, talks, and yoga… It’s a space for community, and a place to raise a glass with friends.

If you’re keen to find out more about what’s going on at the Small Beer Brewery, you might want to join our mailing list...